Detroit Pistons' Ben Wallace still retiring, we think, but allows himself some wiggle room

AP PhotoDetroit Pistons forward Ben Wallace didn't slam the door on the possibility of returning for a 17th season in 2012-13, though it still seems unlikely.

AUBURN HILLS – Detroit Pistons veteran Ben Wallace didn't leave a very big crack when asked if he might reconsider his retirement and play another season. But late Tuesday night, as his career countdown starts to build to a crescendo, Wallace didn't slam the door on the possibility.

The Pistons forward has 13 games left in this season, and his career, if he sticks to his plan.

After collecting his 7,000th career defensive rebound – 21st all-time and fourth among active players – Wallace vacillated, ever so slightly, following Tuesday's 102-95 win over the Orlando Magic.

It sounded more like never-say-never, or perhaps a bit of wistfulness, than any firm declaration that Wallace is reconsidering his retirement when he joked in a post-game television interview that he would allow a fan poll to determine whether he should return next year for a 17th season.

Moments later, asked if there is any possibility of stalling retirement, Wallace said, “Nothing's impossible – it's possible – but if it's up to me, I'm going home.”

Wallace has said that his decision to retire is based largely on a desire to spend more time with his family.

Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said there is no doubt that Wallace could return in 2012-13 if he chose.

“If it was me, right now, I'm going home,” Wallace said. “I've got more people to consider than just me.”

Wallace's milestone originally was announced in the arena as 7,000 career rebounds. He snagged a boxscore out of the trash can to make sure it was corrected to defensive rebounds on the bottom of the sheet, where key milestones are noted.

It was.

“Seven thousand -- that was six years ago,” Wallace said, correctly remembering the 2005-06 season as the one when he exceeded 7,000 overall rebounds.

Wallace will continue to rack up longevity milestones until he retires – presumably, after this season.

“It's about just staying healthy, being on the floor, doing what you do,” he said. “That's my niche, really. That's what I bring to the table. And every night I step on the floor, I just try to go out there and be aggressive, attack the boards, rebound the basketball, and give my team a chance to score.”